Depleted Gunners beat odds

ARSENAL produced a stunning late fight-back against Birmingham City on Sunday despite being reduced to 10 players in their opening match of the season in the Women’s Super League One.

Two goals from former Gunners striker Ellen White looked to have sealed a shock victory for the Blues at Meadow Park, especially when defender Louise Quinn was sent off for the hosts 10 minutes from time.

But in a frantic finale, England star Jodie Taylor showed her quality to spin the match in Arsenal’s favour.

Taylor had already had a telling impact on the game when she cancelled out White’s opening goal in the first half.

White restored the visitors lead on the hour mark, but Arsenal, and Taylor, weren’t to be denied the win.

With just five minutes left on the clock Taylor turned provider, setting up Lisa Evans to equalise.

Then with just seconds left, the referee spotted a handball in the area and awarded a penalty, which Taylor confidently despatched to seal a thrilling 3-2 victory.

Elsewhere Camden coach Emma Hayes saw her Chelsea Ladies side begin their Women’s Super League One campaign by thrashing Bristol City Women 6-0.

Maren Mjelde scored twice, while Drew Spence, Fran Kirby, Magdalena Eriksson and Gilly Flaherty were also all on target for the Blues.

Meanwhile Tottenham Ladies started life in the second tier of the WSL in disappointing fashion as they lost 2-1 in their match away at Durham Women.